12 venues in 6 weeks. Didn’t think I could do it, but actually when it began, it was all fun, fun, fun, each location, brought a different crowd, response and energy.
We started up North, no not as far as you think, but Nelson and Blenheim at the beautiful Moutere Hills vineyard, with a MasterClass followed by a cooking demonstration. Brett, being my partner in crime was fantastic and before long we had the banter down pat and our dishes smelling, lo0king and tasting divine.
We did a MasterClass : 5 Ways with Chocolate, The Magic of Wontons then Brett did an amazing Sumac Rubbed Lamb Dish.
Following that we presented a lovely 3 course menu : Chicken Liver Parfait, Venison with Pumpkin Puree and Seasonal Vegetables and I finished with my Chocolate & Pear Tart with Frangelico Cream.
Dave, our fantastic MC, was always first on stage for any tastings – he was remarkable.
As you can see over the 6 weeks, as well as visiting the first two regions we travelled along to Oamaru and Timaru. Alexandra and Balcutha. Then over to the fantastic west coast for Greymouth then a cool drive inland to Ashburton.
I then came back to home and we did 2 sell out shows in Lincoln and Ohoka before ending the tour in Invercargill and Gore. It was whilst in Gore, I was asked if i had ever milked a sheep, to which I replied ‘ wot do they have nipples then’ Ha!
Any way, after the laughter died down, I was offered a sheep milking experience, to which I accepted and the following day, myself, Brett and Heidi found ourselves, milking sheep on the largest sheep milking farm in the world. What a fantastic experience.
Had to laugh though, the one sheep that decided to head but me in the leg was the only black sheep in the bloody crowd! Hahahahah, here I am giving it a friendly squeeze!
My brand new Red Band Wellies, came in handy along with my matching socks – Love Your Work – Farmlands Gore.
It was the experience and tour of a lifetime. Xx
